Out and about… – Page 11

Frozen in Ice- Review!

Posted on February 16, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

The kids and I ventured out this weekend to Frozen in Ice at Skylands Stadium. There is no DIRECT correlation with the event and the movie “Frozen” other than the fact that it is fabulously made of ice. Despite that fact, my Frozen fans thought Elsa was responsible for the event and we had a great time.

Helpful Hints:

Dress WARM! We wore snow suits and the whole deal.
Hit the slide early (the line can get long).
Plan to take your photo on the throne before the kids are exhausted.
Kids under 36″ must be accompanied on the slide.

It took us a quick hour to get to the stadium (all highway until the very end). Once there the walk in was easy (we went as soon as it opened since it was to snow later in the day). Right when you walk in there is an ice cabin that we went into and checked out. The kids thought it was so “cool” that everything was ice. They were amazed at what could be made, and laughed when they had difficulty staying on the bed. They pretended to warm their hands by the ice fire and had an invisible meal at the ice table.

Once we walked out of the cabin the first thing you can see is the slide, so we did that next. (A) was old enough to go on his own and did it 3 times (he loved it) before the line got a little long. (E) had to go with me since she wasn’t 36″ tall. That’s ok because it gave me an excuse to try it. It moves FAST (pick your feet up at the end, don’t try to stop yourself, it hurts a little). I have video of (A) sliding on our YouTube page.

The mascots for the “Miners” baseball team were around the whole time high fiving and posing for photos.

When we had slid enough (A) noticed the ice maze. The kids spent a good 45 minutes running though, and hiding from one another. (Video of this can also be found on our YouTube Channel).

We finished walking around and admiring the other ice sculptures after the maze. That is when we found the Frozen Throne. This is great because you can have your photo taken and emailed to you for free. If you are there with the kids and want a photo of everyone (instead of always being behind the camera) you have a little momento.

Back inside the main entrance, there was food, and some raffle chances you could fill out to win. There were also some games you could play. Since we knew that there was weather coming, we skipped this part and went outside.

Outside there were some more great ice sculptures, and a fire pit where you could make smores. It smelled super yummy. There was also a “hayride” taking people around the stadium field. On a day that was a little less chilly (I chose the coldest day to go) this would have been perfect for us. Little (E) is 2 and was sooo cold. (A) who is 5 would have been fine.

Frozen in Ice is a great time. We ended up staying about 2 hours and that’s without all of the cool extras that we had to do without. Both kids fell into a deep sleep on the way home. I would absolutely recommend it.

Frozen in Ice is only available through February… To purchase tickets Click Here!

Play Fair! – Review

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to visit the Playfair.

We were so excited to head to the first event of PlayFair at the Javitts Center Saturday morning. Unfortunately the event is sold out, but I still want to share our experience with you!

We ordered our tickets before the mailing deadline, so we had our badges in hand so we were able to walk right in. Sadly, if you did not have badges it was a long wait outside. Due to the severe cold, this was rectified by the afternoon session. Right inside the door was a coat check, and plenty of employees directing you.

Lets start with the basics:

There are plenty of parking lots near the center. We chose one about 3 blocks away. Easy.
If you don’t NEED a stroller, don’t bring it. With the crowds it can get hard to maneuver.
Use the coat check so you have empty hands for taking pictures and having fun!
There are ample clean bathrooms with changing tables
There are food options – hot pretzels, popcorn, smoothies, fruit, ice cream etc. You can also bring in your own food.

One of the great parts is that once you are in you don’t need to pay for anything (except food). At certain booths you are able to purchase items, but it was also easily avoidable to prevent meltdowns.

The center is huge and full of interactive stations with games and toys to explore. Crayola, Legos, Thomas the Train, Nickelodeon, Toys R Us – you name it! With give-a-ways at almost every one!

There was so much to see and do, I am going to narrow it down to the big stuff!

Through out the session there were numerous Character Photo ops – Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Ninja turtles, Shimmer and Shine to name a few. Each Session has different characters available, so be sure to check the website for a list. The lines were long, and a bit unorganized so we decided to save our meet and greet for our favorite, PJ Masks!

There were also characters roaming around – Captain America, Princess Belle, Geoffrey the Giraffe, Play-dough, all available for photo ops.

There was a really neat camera at Crayola that would take your picture and turn it into a coloring page! Boys got a kick out of that.

The LEGO area was awesome. It was a lot like being at LegoLand! Buckets of legos to build with, racetracks to race your cars, a lego wall to build tiles. Super cool!

(W)’s favorite part was the pedal kart racetrack! Berg toys set up a racetrack letting the kids try out their amazing pedal bikes. He was so proud of himself afterwards. “That was really hard at first, but I really figured it out!”

We really wanted to get in to see the Nickelodeon station. It looked fun with slides, photo ops, and creative stations. But the line was incredibly long, so we had to miss that one.

The session went fast! We were so busy having fun, next thing we knew it was time to go! Being that it was a brand new event in its FIRST YEAR we expected a few bumps. The lines were long, and the event was over crowded, but the boys had a blast!

Frozen in Ice- Giveaway!!

Posted on February 10, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Contests, Day Trips, Out and about..., RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to Frozen in Ice. All opinions expressed are my own.

We LOVE new and “cool” things to do here at RNYM. When we heard about Frozen in Ice we knew we had to go and check it out. (E) and (A) are still HUGE Frozen fans, and although the two are not connected (other than that they deal with ice) I know that they will connect the two and it will be fabulous.

Frozen in Ice presented by Skylands Ice World is the first-ever ice sculpture extravaganza held at the Skylands Stadium Event Center. This indoor/outdoor event will feature more than 100 tons of ice transformed into breathtaking displays by the amazing ice artists at Sculpted Ice Works. Frozen in Ice will thrill both adults and children, and will offer lots of great photo and selfie opportunities! Parking is free.

Attractions

Indoors

• Ride down a huge 50-foot ice slide (36″ height requirement; children under 36″ must be accompanied by an adult)
• Go inside a life-sized ice cabin
• Sit on a giant ice throne
• See amazing ice sculptures of a horse-drawn carriage, working lighthouse, gold mine maze, Herbie the Miner, baseball player, snowman, snow princess, and more
• Enjoy cocktails and wine (additional charge) in a unique ice lounge and ice bar (see below for hours)
• Carnival games (additional charge)
• Hot food (additional charge): Hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels, and more (click here for menu)
• Hot beverages provided by Cupa Cabana (additional charge): Hot chocolate, coffee, cappuccino, espresso
• Appearances by Herbie the Miner, mascot of the Sussex County Miners (Saturdays and Sundays, 3 PM–7 PM)

Outdoors

• Watch ice carving demonstrations by professional ice artists (Saturdays and Sundays, 12 PM–4 PM)
• Enter ice carving competitions for prizes (February 7 and 20)
• S’mores fire pit (additional fee)
• Take wagon rides and join in snowman building on the ball field (weather permitting)

Suggested Attire

• To prevent the ice sculptures from melting, our Event Center must be kept at or near freezing temperature, so please remember to dress warmly for optimal enjoyment of the event. Ski pants are ideal—but not required—for the ice slide.

Hours

Wednesday–Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM
Presidents Day: Monday, February 15: 11 AM–8 PM

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays (except Presidents Day)

We will be attending this weekend to report back to you, but WE ALSO HAVE 4 TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY!!! LIKE, COMMENT, AND SHARE TO ENTER, WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FRIDAY 2/12/16!!

RNYM Weekend Fun 2/5-2/7/16

Posted on February 5, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about... .

As always Catherine is working hard to keep you up to date with great events and programs for the kids!

Here’s some great fun we picked that you may be interested in this weekend!!! There are more on the site if you are looking!!! CLICK HERE!

LEGOLAND Westchester Discovery Center releases new 4D LEGO movie!!

Don’t forget our site discount (Click Here)!!

________________________________________________________________

Jill’s Ceramics Valentines Paint Event

Saturday 2/6/16 from 1-3pm

There are 3 spots left to paint this weekend!!! The projects make fabulous gifts for moms, dads, grandparents, you name it. Here are a few cute ideas to consider.

_______________________________________________

Bowling with ONYM!

Venture on up to Orange County and have a bowling date with our sister-site!

Sunday February 7, 2016

Starts at 12 pm

Quinnz Pinz
13-19 Railroad Ave,
Middletown, NY 10940
Phone: (845)343-8121

$8.40 gets you bowling, pizza and drinks for the kiddies! Bumpers and Light weight balls included for those who need.

_______________________________________________

______________________________________________

ARDUINO Introductory Robotics Workshop
Saturday, February 6th – 2pm to 4pm ($15 Entry)

In just over a week, we’ll be hosting an introductory ARDUINO workshop. To learn more about ARDUINO micro controllers, click here.

Space is limited for this workshop. Come in and register early to secure your spot!

__________________________________________________

February 7th 5:30pm
Teens can make Valentine’s Day lollipops
Haverstraw King’s Daughter’s Public Library
www.hkdpl.org
FREE

___________________________________________________

Looking for more kiddie fun? Bookmark our EVENTS PAGE!

FASNY- Weird Science with Professor Sparks!!

Posted on February 4, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about... .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

We LOVE the FASNY Museum of Firefighting. My brother is a Fireman, and (A) is totally obsessed. We had the best time the last time we went up, and that was before the Jr. Firefighter Challenge was functional (see our review)! We HAVE to go back soon.

This month they have an awesome event, Professor Sparks is BAAAAAACK! On February 20th at 10:30 am you can go and spend the morning at the Museum exploring the science of fire!!

Join Professor Sparks and her robot canine companion, Spot 2000 as they present an interactive program that is full of NEW surprises. The program is appropriate for ages 5 and up.

Location: 117 Harry Howard Avenue Hudson NY

For More Information: 518-822-1875 ext 10 or www.fasnyfiremuseum.com

In addition to this great program, there are a ton of great interactivities for families. These activities include bucket brigade, virtual fire engine driving, Jr. Firefighter Challenge, and the Cabot/McCadam Discovery Room.

Brand new LEGO 4D Movie coming to LEGOLAND- February 6th!

Posted on February 1, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

It’s no secret. We LOVE LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. We spend a lot of time there the experience is always AWESOME. My kids are OVER THE MOON when I say we are headed there. Well, now there’s a new reason we have to head over and we just cannot wait!!

I was surprised at how even my 2 year old was able to sit through and loved the last one! Not only did she sit, she LOVED it!

Beginning on February 6, 2015, The LEGO^® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure will be shown every day at the family friendly Ridge Hill attraction. Fans of the 2014 feature film, The LEGO Movie, will recognize the return of popular characters in this exclusive film, only shown at LEGOLAND Parks and LEGOLAND Discovery Centers around the world.

“Our visitors were so enthusiastic about the original The LEGO Movie and we are ecstatic to bring back some of their favorite characters,” said Monique Perretti, Marketing Manager of LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. “The unique 4D experience of our theater will bring a whole new level of entertainment to The LEGO Movie fans.”

The film follows a new journey for Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, Benny and MetalBeard. After they receive a mysterious invitation, they are led to a new theme park where all of the rides are based on the characters’ journey in The LEGO Movie. But not all is as it seems as the heroes are once again thrown into the middle of an evil secret plot, only this time, it will be up to the audience to use their Master Builder skills to help save them! Using elements such as wind, water, smoke and special lighting effects, the larger-than-life experience brings the film’s main characters, Emmet and Wyldstyle, back together with their friends for another awesome adventure.

Here’s an exclusive trailer for you to see!!! https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester/lego-4d-movie/

OH YEAH, and they are offering our readers and exclusive 20% discount to LEGOLAND Discovery Center FOR ALL OF 2016!!!

Tickets must be purchased online at https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester/tickets-and-offers/ticket-prices.aspx
There is a limit of 5 adult and 5 child tickets per transaction (max purchase = 10 tickets)
Once on the promos webpage (link above), enter the promo code which will direct you to the personalized page for RNYM, then follow the prompts to complete their purchase
The Rockland NY Mom LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester Discount code for 2016 is: MBRNYMNZ15

We will be at the exclusive premier keeping you up to date on our social media, and ready to give you a full review!!! Stay Awesome!!!

Save the Date!- Play Fair is Coming!!!

Posted on January 30, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Here at RNYM we are always looking for new fun places for you and your kids to visit. In our searching we came across Play Fair. At this event EVERYTHING looks AWESOME, and I don’t just say that because LEGO is involved ;o).

Play Fair presented by LEGO and Nickelodeon is a celebration of play and entertainment for all ages. It’s an immersive, experience-rich event for children, parents, families, and teenage and adult collectors. With hands-on exhibits, awe-inspiring displays, dozens of toy and entertainment brands, and never-before-seen exclusives, attendees can feel, touch, and take home their favorite toys and games — and be the first to glimpse the toys of tomorrow.

Play Fair brings together all things kids (and parents) love. The weekend-long event includes LEGO, Nick, Hasbro, Mattel, Toys”R”Us, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros., Bandai, Crayola, and much, much more for parents, kids, and anyone who’s a kid a heart!

Not that any of us need reminders, but this stuff rocks.. My kids, Paw Patrol and LEGO Junkies, Match box cars, crayons (and so much more), this is the stuff we all grow up on in ONE PLACE!!!

Details:

Saturday and Sunday February 13-14th 2016

Schedule – Click Here

To purchase tickets- Click Here or visit the Toy Box in Pearl River

Your Play Fair pass gets you perks at some other GREAT spots- Click Here

Location JAVITS NORTH at the JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER

How to get there Click Here

We will be heading over to give you a full review… Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook to see!!

Oh yeah and stay tuned, a giveaway coming this week!!!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester- REVIEW

Posted on January 19, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester.

My step-mother planned a visit to come and see the kids (she lives in Oregon) this past summer and I was wracking my brain as to where to go with her and the kids. I desperately wanted to show her a good time but didn’t want to force her to travel much more than she already had. I needed to keep it close.

Then it dawned on me. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is perfect! Its super close (20 minutes tops?), has enough to do for lots of fun, and we can do it in a day. (Plus, (A) happens to be really into LEGOs, which means (E) is too). We hadn’t been in a year so the kids and I were really excited!!!

We know from past experience that it can get crowded fast especially on days off from school so we went super early and were the second family to enter for the day. It was nice to go and not need to bring the stroller this time (although we didn’t have any trouble with it when we did- Read our previous review). I was super happy to see that LEGOLAND Discovery Center grows with you. Some of the attractions that they didn’t really get into the previous trip were now really awesome for them.

Our pictures this year were awesome, really enjoyed it. (A) couldn’t wait for the first ride where he would get to shoot the bad guys and save LEGOLAND.

Once inside we walked around and checked out the unbelievable NY landmarks that the master builders put together. (A) and (E) appreciate this part much more now, and really enjoyed running around and pressing all of the buttons that made them come to life.

(E) really loved the ride where we pedaled to lift ourselves up into the air. She is finally big enough for such things and it really makes her happy.

Last year when we went neither child wanted to sit and see a movie. This year they were excited to go in. I knew that the movie was 3D but didn’t realize that it was 4D. How cool it was to watch them react when they got wet, or cold!!! (This may not be suitable for children with sensory issues). We watched two movies together and laughed through the whole thing (even little (E) who is 2).

(A) enjoyed much more this year building something to test on the motion plate (he didn’t have the patience last year), and (E) equally enjoyed knocking it down when he built something sturdy.

Neither was ready to build the racecar or attend the master builder seminar but that was ok too, they really didn’t need to. Perhaps next year we will add this part to the list.

The soft jungle gym in the middle was a huge hit (just like last year). The kids must have spent 3 hours in there over all. I love how secure it is (kids can’t come out unless a parent is standing near the exit). We saved it for last to tire them out good right before heading home.

The gift shop on the way out is entertaining as well, but they were so tired we didn’t do much shopping. We did stop for a nice bite at a nearby restaurant (there are several great options).

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is so close you can take advantage of their many fabulous events (including grown up night, yep). They also hold birthday parties (very good to know, and the cost is pretty standard), and school outings. Highly recommended for a day of fun.

Free Paint with Underground Finds & Furniture! -Review

Posted on January 13, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Crafts, Events, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was invited to a class at Underground Finds and Furniture. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love to craft. That’s no secret. I will try pretty much any craft once. I have taken the kids to a myriad of different crafting events. They really enjoy them as well, and I love the time we get to spend together being creative, and making memories. This past weekend Mary of Underground Finds and Furniture held her first in house crafting class. In this format Mary can share the techniques that she has learned when she first started her shop. This low cost class was a real blast for myself and for the kids. Mary shared different techniques and some really fantastic supplies with us while we were there.

I must disclose. This was NOT a typical crafting class. There were crafts and there was fun, but the laid back atmosphere made it that much more enjoyable. I used to take the kids to the Home Depot Kids workshops all the time because I like their vibe. They gave you a project with a general idea, and left paint so you could create in your own way. This class reminded me of that, but cooler because I was learning cool new techniques too.

The event was created a little over a month ago and sign-up filled quickly. Upon arrival you could see that Mary was prepared and excited. There was a little table in the adjoining room with some (healthy) snacks and water on it so that if people got hungry or needed a break they could take one. The Crafting room had a large table with chalk paint in the center (so many great colors it was like an all you can craft buffet!). There were plaques that we could make into signs with either a meaningful quote or a picture or both, AND she had boxes as well as blocks that the kids could paint as well.

Mary explained the project and had people pick their items to work on. She then told us about the two different techniques that we could use with her silhouette machine. I chose to do the relief technique for both of the kids projects. (A) decided to use a Star Wars Quote, and I wanted to make a sign for (E) that said “Always kiss me goodnight” for her new room.

The project was kicked up a notch when Mary also mentioned that she had “Glow in the Dark” spray paint. (A) was enthralled. He ended up using the paint on all 3 of his projects.

First we painted a base layer on both projects.

On (A)’s he then spray pained the glow in the dark. (E)’s got a blend of colors that are being used in her “shabby chic” bedroom.

Then we used the computer to plan out the sizes, fonts and graphics for the boards.

Once dry we placed the words and graphics on the boards.

Another coat of paint, in another color, went on top.

The vinyl was removed to show the negative space.

I then sanded and waxed ( I really like that look).

(A) is obsessed with the fact this his glows :o)

Here are the finished products!!!

The kids also worked on painting boxes which they are using around the house to store their “treasures”.

Mary’s next workshop is taking place on February 21st and will be making photo boards with a picture, a wooden board, chalk paint and some modge podge. The cost is $10 a person (for supplies) and the class is limited to 10 students. To register email: MDM441@gmail.com by 2/14/16.

WPPAC Presents Tarzan- REVIEW!

Posted on December 22, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2015, Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to a performance. All opinions expressed are my own.

I LOVE THE THEATER. I want my children to love it too. But its nearly impossible to just pick the correct age to begin bringing them. Then, you have to choose a good venue, not too large so that they can actually see and experience, not get bored because its too small and they are too removed. And then, you have to choose a show that is familiar enough to capture them, and keep their attention. Especially because of the COSTS associated with attending live theater. At WPPAC the family four pack (which is still available at this time) is only $135 which is amazing.

Well theater lovers, look no further. We attended the WPPAC show Tarzan this past weekend and it was everything I have been searching for.

Amenities:

It is a smaller theater, not a bad seat in the house. The seats are super comfortable with modern capabilities. There is lots of leg room and no matter where you are, you can really see and experience the show.

The view of the stage from our seat (excuse terrible cell phone picture).

Getting there is a quick 30-40 minute drive, and parking in the local lot a breeze. If you park on the 5th floor you can walk right into the theater in a well lit garage. Oh and parking is only $1 per hour.

There is a great little snack bar that you can take advantage of where they also have little souvenirs of the show for purchase. Right behind the snack bar is the restrooms, which were comfortable and SUPER CLEAN.

(A) and his cousin (F) at the concession stand.

REVIEW:

The actors at WPPAC are all professionals. The singing and acting was EXCELLENT. Tarzan’s mother had a voice that touched my soul. The child actors were also a great pleasure to see. (A) was very excited to see boys like himself performing on stage.

(A) has seen the cartoon many times before and was immediately into the show. He sat quietly through the first act (which is quite the feat if you know anything about 5 year old boys). At intermission when the audience stepped out to use the restrooms and get refreshments, he spent time running through our aisles pretending to be a gorilla.

He was ready and excited for the second act but wanted to sit in Nana’s lap. This was no problem because of the modern comfortable seats in the theater. When we could tell he had gotten a little tired she told him that he could put his head back and he said “No Nana, I want to see the show”.

It was also great to see him learning musical cues and wanting to show his appreciation. At one point when the cast had almost finished a number he was unsure if it was time to clap and so he leaned over and asked, “do we clap now?”

He made it through and at the end he wanted to know where the music came from, so we walked down to the stage and I showed him where the grates were that led to the pit. This amazed him. When he turned around and saw the monitors he also asked what those were for. We had a little musical theater lesson.

(A) and his cousin (F) down by the stage.

When we exited the theater we heard that the two young boys who had played leads were going to be in the lobby speaking to people. I have NEVER seen (A) get nervous or quiet, but with these boys he was. He was totally in awe. I was finally able to get him to ask if they would sign his playbill, and they happily agreed.

In the car I asked (A) if he wanted me to hold his playbill and he said “No mom, I’ve got it”. He is treasuring it. He already has it up on his high shelf where (E) can’t get at it.

BUY TICKETS:

Group packages, and Gift Certificates also available. Performances run December 26, 28, 29 January 2, 8, 9 at 7 pm and December 19, 20, 26, 27, 30, January 2, 3, 9, 10 at 2 pm.

Take advantage of our family four pack on Dec 18, 19, 26, 28 & 29 at 7pm. Get 2 adults and 2 child tickets for $135 dollars. That’s a 15% savings. Tickets range from $25-$47. For tickets and more information visit www.wppac.com or call (914) 328-1600.

White Plains Performing Arts Center is located at 11 City Place on the 3rd floor of City Center in White Plains, NY.

« Previous Page